Boutique Of The Week: Hunkydory Home

10/01/2011 10:30
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Updated
22 May 2015

Helen Costello
MyDaily UK

Hunkydory Home's mission statement is simple: "We aim to offer something a bit different for your home." And that they do – exhibit A, the Tunnock's teacake cushion. From their own signature colourful handmade lampshades and cushions to a range of bright and breezy home accessories from some of the design world's cutest brands, there's something gorgeous and quirky for everyone.

We spoke to Hunkydory's founder, Alison Ellerbrook to find out more:

Punk up your tea break. Pic: Courtesy of Hunkydory Home

What inspired you to launch Hunkydory Home?

Home has always been really important to me and making it individual even more so. I never settled into a career and always knew I would end up working for myself. I had been working for an interior designer during the time when the trend for cream and beige and 'neutralising' your home was all the rage and rather dull in my opinion! I felt there was a real gap in the market for bold, bright funky home accessories and started out by making my own cushions and lampshades and found there was great demand.

I'd never used a sewing machine when I made my first cushion cover. I took some guidance from the internet and learned how to sew a zip and experimented with a selection of funky fabrics. I started off selling the cushion covers on ebay and couldn't keep up with the demand. Soon after I tried my hand at making matching lampshades which proved equally popular, I realised I could turn this into a business and so I did!

Which of the other brands that the site now stocks are your current favourites?

I love everything we stock so it's incredibly hard to choose, but if pushed... Having spent much of my childhood in Norway I have a real soft spot for Scandinavian design – I love ISAK who are behind Blossom & Bill. I also love the wit behind Stuart Gardiner's designs (the Glove & Hate oven gloves, and Drop Scones Not Bombs bags).

Glove and Hate oven gloves. Genius. Pic: Courtesy of Hunkydory Home

How do you decide which items/brands to stock on the site?

There's a certain look and feel to Hunkydory Home – it's quirky, bold, conversational... I just instinctively know if a product will work on the site. Often I'm approached by people to stock their work and that often throws up some real gems although I often have to turn people down as they may have a great product, but it just won't 'fit'. I surf the web and sites like Etsy to find new designers as well as visiting craft fairs and studios. I aim to keep it affordable and our products are priced at £50 and under.